Co-operative Education is a Canadian post-secondary model of experiential learning whereby students gain degree-relevant, paid work experience as part of an academic program. 

Co-op offers students an excellent opportunity to apply newly developed skills in a practical context, gain knowledge and workplace insight, and establish professional contacts. The 12-16 week work term takes place from May to August between first and second year of the program. Job opportunities are posted online via SFU Co-op’s portal system, exclusively for registered SFU Co-op participants. 

A diverse range of employers hire MPP Co-op students including federal, provincial and municipal governments, not for profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, research institutes, labour unions, professional associations, health authorities, private sector and civil society groups. Examples include: Women and Gender Equality Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, International Development Research Centre, Pacific Economic Development Canada, BC Housing, BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, BC Ministry of Attorney General, First Nations Health Authority, Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, BC Society of Transition Houses and FortisBC. 

Masters of Public Policy students apply to Co-op opportunities through a competitive process, involving interviews conducted by employers and job offer decisions determined by each hiring organization.

The program does not guarantee Co-op employment for all participating students; however, there is a very strong track record of student success and during the job search, students have access to a series of professional development activities and ongoing guidance and support from a Masters co-op coordinator.